How to speak well and confidently

Are you very shy when it comes to new surroundings, such as starting a new class or moving to a new area? Sometimes, it is necessary to overcome your shyness and speak confidently. By doing this, it can help you not only to share your ideas properly to others, but also to learn communicating with others. Here are a few steps to consider when speaking with confidence.

Steps

1. Learn how to have conversations with people. Your ideas or opinions may not always be accepted by others, but this is nothing unusual. Open your mouth, express your beliefs! This will improve your courage.
2. Don’t be afraid and speak loudly. If you speak in a low voice, not only will others not be able to hear what you say, but you will also portray a submissive demeanor, which suggests the opposite of a confident one.
3. Make eye contact when you speak. For one thing, it is polite for others. Also, eye contact will help others to listen to your thinking carefully.
4. Praise yourself everyday! This will promote your own confidence, which is important when you speak. With more confidence, people will take your thinking more seriously.

Tips

• Don’t be nervous when you make mistakes. Human error is far from being a new concept — nobody is perfect! It is normal for everyone to make mistakes. Just calm down and keep speaking bravely.
• Try and try again! This may be difficult for a shy person at first, but you need to force yourself to speak, and not seclude your thoughts. If you have some ideas, then try to speak out! Don’t just keep them in your head.
• If you have self confidence issues, try to think that you are the only one who has sound knowledge about the topic. Then go ahead and impart your knowledge to the audience in an effective way.
• Remember that there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Don’t portray an exaggerated amount of confidence, or you will come off as arrogant, believing that your ideas are better than the ideas of everyone else.

How to Convince People Effectively

The ability make others believe what you believe is important for success in many fields. There is often a fine line between convincing somebody your views are valid and annoying them. In this article we'll look at some of the techniques you can use if you want to convince another individual to believe what you believe.

Steps

* Do the homework. Make sure you understand your own viewpoint. If you are going to try to convince somebody that the Eiffel Tower is taller than the Statue of Liberty, find out the facts first, don't make assumptions.

* Learn the field. For certain areas you will need to know more than just the facts, as some subjects are subjective. For example, if you wanted to convince somebody that the Statue of Liberty was prettier than the Eiffel Tower you will need to know enough about architecture and aesthetics to argue about that subject, as well as the facts, like how tall they are. If you are selling something, like a car, you will need to know all there is to know about the car you are selling. Likewise, you will need to know all about the other cars that are in competition with your vehicle.

* Engage the person politely. Maintain eye contact where possible, but don't be annoying about it.

* Establish mutual respect. You will never convince anybody of anything if they believe you do not respect them, so show the person you respect them and be good enough to gain their respect.

* Gain trust. To convince people of most things you will need their trust. They don't have to trust you as a person, but they do need to trust that what you are saying makes sense, that you know your "stuff". The best way to do this is to do your homework and fieldwork, that way you know a lot about the subject.

* Listen carefully to what your debate partner has to say. Respond thoughtfully to their point of view.

* When you can, back up what you say with real facts. Lying will only convince somebody until they find out about the lie, then you will never be able to convince them of anything again.

* Be willing to be convinced. Sometimes accepting one point from the other person and showing that you can change your mind when you are wrong will help them to be the same, and change their mind about the subject you care about.

* Practice active listening. Active listening helps you control a conversation and keeps it on track. Active listening techniques include:

· Non-verbal feedback. Nodding your head as the other talks etc.

Paraphrase what the other person has said to make sure you understand it.

* Make sure you understand the other person's objections and respond to them in an intelligent manner.

* Keep vigilant about your belief, but always respectful of the beliefs of others. Explain why your belief is important to you.

* Understand the other person's motivations. If you know what another person wants, you are more likely to be able to give it to them.

* Rephrase your beliefs in a way that the other person is better able to understand.

* Follow up. Ask questions to make sure the other person understands their new views completely.

Tips

· To hold the eye of a crowd select individuals in the crowd and hold their eyes on-and-off through your presentation.

· Never lose your cool. Nothing lacks conviction more than a raving idiot.

· Always be friendly and respectful even if the other person does not change their mind.

· Beliefs fade. You may think you have changed somebodies mind but find that in a day or two, perhaps a week, they are right back to where they were before.

· Buy and read some books on sales techniques.

The Qualities of Skillful Leadership by Jim Rohn

If you want to be a leader who attracts

quality people, the key is to become a person of quality yourself.

Leadership is the ability to attract someone to the gifts, skills,

and opportunities you offer as an owner, as

a manager, as a parent. I call leadership the

great challenge of life.

What’s important in leadership is refining

your skills. All great leaders keep working

on themselves until they become effective.

Here are some specifics:

1. Learn to be strong but not rude. It is an

extra step you must take to become a powerful, capable leader with a wide range of

reach. Some people mistake rudeness for

strength. It’s not even a good substitute.

2. Learn to be kind but not weak. We must

not mistake kindness for weakness.

Kindness isn’t weak. Kindness is a certain

type of strength. We must be kind enough

to tell somebody the truth. We must be kind

enough and considerate enough to lay it on

the line. We must be kind enough to tell it

like it is and not deal in delusion.

3. Learn to be bold but not a bully. It takes

boldness to win the day. To build your influence,

you’ve got to walk in front of your group.

You’ve got to be willing to take the first arrow, tackle

the first problem, and discover the first sign of trouble.

4. You’ve got to learn to be humble but not

timid. You can’t get to the high life by being

timid. Some people mistake timidity for

humility. Humility is almost a God-like word

A sense of awe. A sense of wonder. An

awareness of the human soul and spirit. An

understanding that there is something

unique about the human drama versus the

rest of life. Humility is a grasp of the distance between us and the stars, yet having

the feeling that we’re part of the stars.

Humility is a virtue; timidity is a disease.

Timidity is an affliction. It can be cured, but

it is a problem.

5. Be proud but not arrogant. It takes pride

to win the day. It takes pride to build your

ambition. It takes pride in community. It

takes pride in cause, in accomplishment.

But the key to becoming a good leader is

being proud without being arrogant. In fact,

I believe the worst kind of arrogance is

arrogance from ignorance. It’s when you

don’t know that you don’t know. Now that

kind of arrogance is intolerable. If someone

is smart and arrogant, we can tolerate that.

But if someone is ignorant and arrogant,

that’s just too much to take.

6. Develop humor without folly. That’s

important for a leader. In leadership, we

learn that it’s okay to be witty but not silly.

It’s okay to be fun but not foolish.

Lastly, deal in realities. Deal in truth. Save

yourself the agony. Just accept life like it is.

Life is unique. Some people call it tragic,

but I’d like to think it’s unique. The whole

drama of life is unique. It’s fascinating. And

I’ve found that the skills that work well for

one leader may not work at all for another.

But the fundamental skills of leadership can

be adapted to work well for just about

everyone: at work, in the community, and

at home.

(Source: Jim Rohn, motivational speaker,

author, philosopher, and entrepreneur.

http://www.jimrohn.com)

Life of Rabindranath Tagore at a glance

Here are milestones from Nobel laureateRabindranath Tagore's life on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary celebrations:

1861, May 7: Rabindranath Tagore is born to Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi at Jorasanko House.

1868: He is sent to Oriental Seminary, possibly India's first fully private school. Subsequently admitted to a regular school.

1869: Attempts his first verse after reading a Bengali translation of Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's "Paul et Virginie".

1871: Joins Bengal Academy, an Anglo-Indian school.

1873: His 'upanayan' (brahminical initiation) is performed. Writes play "Prithviraj Parajaya" (manuscript lost) and tours India.

1874: Anonymously publishes poem "Abhilasa" (Desire); joins Saint Xavier's School, Kolkata.

1876: Joins the short-lived Secret Society, modelled on Mazzini's Carbonari. His first literary criticism of a book of Bengali poems appears in journal Jnanankur.

1877: On Jan 1, Tagore writes and recites poem on Delhi Durbar arranged by Lord Lytton to proclaim Queen Victoria. Writes his first long story "Bhikharini" (Beggar Maid), first unfinished novel "Karuna" and long poem "Kabikahini".

1878: Studies English in Ahmedabad. Embarks on his first foreign tour - September 1878 to February.

1880: And goes to school at Brighton, England.

1879: Moves to London and joins University College.

1881: Composes his first set of devotional songs. His first musical play " Valmiki Pratibha" is staged at Jorasanko; sails for England April 20; starts writing novel "Bauthakuranir Hat" (The Young Queen's Market).

1882: Writes poem "Nirjharer Svapnabhanga" (The Awakening of the Fountain).

1883: Marries Mrinalini Devi.

1886: Tagore is caught in controversies over social and socio-religious subjects. Composes and sings the inaugural song for the second session of the Indian National Congress.

1888: On March 8, his father Debendranath executes the trust deed of Santiniketan trust. Tagore publishes "Samalochana" -- a collection of essays on literary criticism.

1890: Attacks the anti-India policy of Lord Cross; takes charge of the management of Tagore Estate; sails for England, also visits Italy and France.

1891: Writes first six short stories, the popular "Post Master", and the first of "Chitrangada". Starts Bengali magazine Sadhana along with his nephew. On Dec Dec 22, attends a festival associated with the consecration of the prayer hall at Santiniketan.

1895: Pens short stories beginning with " Kshudita Pashan" (Hungry Stones).

1897: Writes "Baikunther Khata" (The Manuscript of Baikuntha) -- a comedy; plays the role of Kedar in its stage presentation; writes dramatic poem "Sati".

1898: Becomes the editor of Bharati magazine, opposes British policies. Plans to set up a school at Santiniketan.

1899: His family moves to Santiniketan. Assists Sister Nivedita to organise relief for plague victims in Kolkata; delivers his first sermon in the temple at Santiniketan on its anniversary.

1900: Publishes "Katha" (plays and ballads), "Kahini" (story-poems) and the collection of short stories "Galpaguchchha".

1901: On Dec 22, Tagore sets up Santiniketan on the model of ancient forest schools (tapovana) of India and himself teaches there; scripts play "Chirakumar Sabha" (The Bachelors' Club).

1902: Faces severe financial problems in running the school at Santiniketan for which he even sells his personal property. His wife dies Nov 23.

1911: Composes " Jana Gana Mana", which is sung on the 26th session of the Indian National Congress. It goes on to be India's national anthem later.

1912: "Gitanjali-Song Offerings" is published. It wins the Nobel Prize for Literature a year later.

1913: Delivers lectures in Chicago on the "Ideals of Ancient Civilsation" and "The Problem of Evil"; Calcutta University decides to confer a D.Litt degree on him, news reaches Santinikaten about the Nobel prize. The Macmillan & Co, London, publishes a popular edition of "Gitanjali".

1914: Receives the Nobel prize diploma and medal on behalf of the Swedish Academy at a special reception in Kolkata.

1917-1925: Tours the world, takes to painting and attends lectures both in India and abroad.

1940: Condemns Russia's aggression in Finland; is taken seriously ill on Sep 26.

1941, Aug 7: Tagore dies.

(Source: "A Centenary Volume: Rabindranath Tagore 1861-1941"; by Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyaya and Kshitis Roy, published by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi.)

Unusual Weather Phenomenon - Amazing

Moon Bows - A rainbow is caused by the Sun shining on moisture droplets, most commonly in a post-rain atmosphere. A moon bow is much rarer, only seen at night when the moon is low and full to almost full. One popular place to see moon bows is at Cumberland Falls in Kentucky,

Mirages - Mirages occur when light is refracted to produce an image of an object or the sky where it is not. It is most commonly seen on hot surfaces, such as the pavement or a desert.

Haloes - Like rainbows, haloes are formed around the Sun due to moisture (in this case ice crystals) being refracted from the Sun's rays in the upper atmosphere. Sometimes two or more areas of the circle or arcs surrounding the Sun will be brighter, forming what are called Sun Dogs. Haloes can also form around the Moon, and occasionally around the brighter stars and planets like Venus.

Belt of Venus - The belt of Venus is a phenomenon that occurs during dusty evenings when a band of pinkish or brownish sky will appear between the sky and the horizon

Noctilucent Clouds - Noctilucent clouds are atmospherically high clouds that refract light at dusk when the Sun has already set, illuminating the sky with no seeming light source.

Aurora Borealis - Also known in the southern hemisphere as the Aurora Australis, the Aurora Borealis are charged particles from the Sun that have reached the Earth's upper atmosphere and become excited. They are more typically seen closer to the poles and during the equinoxes of the year.

Coloured Moon - Due to different atmospheric issues, the moon will occasionally appear tinged with a color, such as blue, orange, or red. Excess smoke, dust, and eclipses can cause the moon to change color.

Mammatus Clouds - These odd-shaped clouds are often associated with a storm front, especially one involving a thunderstorm. It's not completely understood how they form

Pyrocumulus Clouds - Another heat related phenomenon, pyrocumulus clouds form from the fast and intense heating of an area to create convecture, which in turn creates a cumulous cloud. Volcanoes, forest fires, and nuclear explosion (in the form of a mushroom cloud) are all prime causes of pyrocumulus clouds.

Fire Rainbow - A fire rainbow is an extremely rare phenomenon that occurs only when the sun is high allowing its light to pass through high-altitude cirrus clouds with a high content of ice crystals.

Green Ray - Also known as the Green Flash. This occurs very briefly before total sunset and after sunrise. It appears as a green flash above the sun that lasts very briefly, generally only a few moments. It is caused by refraction of light in the atmosphere.

Know about Kidney Stones and the treatment for the same

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are small, solid masses that form when salts or minerals normally

found in urine become solid crystals (crystallise) inside the kidney.

In most cases, the crystals are too tiny to be noticed, and pass harmlessly out of

your body.

However, they can build up inside your kidney and form much larger stones.

If a stone becomes large enough, it may begin to move out of your kidney

and progress through the ureters - the tubes that carry urine from the kidney

to your bladder.

If it gets stuck in the ureter, this can cause an infection which can lead

to permanent kidney damage.

Depending on where they are located, kidney stones are also known as

renal calculi, urinary calculi, urinary tract stone disease, nephrolithiasis,

urolithiasis and ureterolithiasis

What causes kidney stones to form?

Normally, urine contains chemicals which prevent crystals from forming.

However, some people seem to be more prone to kidney stones than others.

If you are prone to kidney stones, there are several factors which

contribute to their formation:

• Consuming too much calcium oxalate or food high in uric acid in your diet

• Drinking too little fluid

• Blockage of the urinary tract

• Certain metabolic diseases

• Recurrent urinary tract infections

• Consuming too much Vitamin C or D

• Bed rest for several weeks or more

• Certain medications

Sometimes, no causes can be found.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

Many kidney stones don't move and are too small to cause any symptoms.

However, if a kidney stone causes a blockage, or moves into the ureter,

it may cause some of the following symptoms:

• severe pain or aching in the back on one or both sides

• sudden spasms of excruciating pain (renal or uteric colic) - this usually

starts in the back below the ribs, before radiating around the abdomen,

and sometimes to the groin and genitalia

• bloody, cloudy or smelly urine

• Nausea and vomiting

• a frequent urge to urinate, or a burning sensation during urination

• fever and chills

These can also be symptoms of a urinary tract infection, or cystitis,

which is much more common than kidney stones in young women.

If you have one or more of these symptoms you should seek medical advice.

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

Doctors can usually diagnose kidney stones by asking about your symptoms

and examining you.

Further tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis and to reveal the size,

location and type of stone. These include:

• blood tests - to identify excess amounts of certain chemicals related to the

formation of stones

• urine analysis - to look for signs of infection

• taking an X-ray image - stones that contain calcium usually show up white

on Xray images

• an intravenous urogram (IVU) - this involves an injection of a special dye

that shows up the whole urinary system on X-ray images, revealing stones that

can't usually be seen

• ultrasound scan - this uses high frequency sound waves to produce an

image of the internal organs

non-contrast helical computerised tomography - this produces pictures from

a series of Xray images taken at different angles - it is sometimes used to

diagnose kidney stones, and is thought to be the most accurate diagnostic test

How are kidney stones treated?

Treatment depends on the type and cause of the stone. Most stones can be

treated without surgery.

Drinking lots of water (two and a half to three litres per day) and staying

physically active are often enough to move stones smaller than about five

millimeters out of your body. You may be prescribed paracetamol or codeine

to reduce the pain.

• Extra corporal Shock wave Lithotripsy Here a machine is used to send

shock waves to the kidney stones which breaks them. These are the passed

through the urines

• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy of Tunnel Surgery involves cutting a small

slit into the back and making a narrow tunnel through the skin to the stone

inside the kidney with a special instrument that goes through the tunnel the stone

is found and removed

• Utheroscope is a special tube with a camera at the end used to insert into the

urethra, andup through the bladder, into the urethra where the stone is located and

a cage is used to catch the stone and pull it out..It ccan also directly destroyed

with a device inserted through the ureteroscope.

• However, if there is an infection, a blockage, or a risk of kidney damage, you will

receive treatment to remove your stone. Infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Stones that are stuck can be removed in several ways:

How can you help prevent the formation of kidney stones?

There are steps you can take, in consultation with your doctor and dietitian, to help

prevent kidney stones.

• Drink at least two liters of water during the day and a glass of water whenever

you get up at night to pass urine. Be sure to drink plenty after meals and after

exercise.

• If you have calcium oxalate stones, be sure to stay within the recommended

dietary allowance for calcium and avoid foods high in oxalate content (such as tea

or chocolate). Do not take very large doses of Vitamin C (4 grams or more daily)

and avoid heavy use of antacids. Vitamin B6 (not exceeding 50 mg/day) may

protect against recurrent calcium oxalate stones.

• Decrease protein and salt intake.

• If you have uric acid stones, cut down on the amount of meat, fish and poultry

. You should discuss dietary changes with your doctor as they are not appropriate

for everyone.

Even if you get slight symptoms always consult Doctor without delay or hesitation.

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day is celebrated on different days and dates around the world. Most commonly, Mother's Day occurs on the second Sunday in May.

20 Ways to Get Mentally Tough

1. When you face a setback, think of it as a defining moment that will lead to a future accomplishment.

2. When you encounter adversity, remember, the best don't just face adversity; they embrace it, knowing it's not a dead end but a detour to something greater and better.

3. When you face negative people, know that the key to life is to stay positive in the face of negativity, not in the absence of it. After all, everyone will have to overcome negativity to define themselves and create their success.

4. When you face the naysayer's, remember the people who believed in you and spoke positive words to you.

5. When you face critics, remember to tune them out and focus only on being the best you can be.

6. When you wake up in the morning, take a morning walk of gratitude and prayer. It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

7. When you fear, trust. Let your faith be greater than your doubt.

8. When you fail, find the lesson in it, and then recall a time when you have succeeded.

9. When you head into battle, visualize success.

10. When you are thinking about the past or worrying about the future, instead focus your energy on the present moment. The now is where your power is the greatest.

11. When you want to complain, instead identify a solution.

12. When your own self-doubt crowds your mind, weed it and replace it with positive thoughts and positive self-talk.

13. When you feel distracted, focus on your breathing, observe your surroundings, clear your mind, and get into The Zone. The Zone is not a random event. It can be created.

14. When you feel all is impossible, know that with God all things are possible.

15. When you feel alone, think of all the people who have helped you along the way and who love and support you now.

16. When you feel lost, pray for guidance.

17. When you are tired and drained, remember to never, never, never give up. Finish Strong in everything you do.

18. When you feel like you can't do it, know that you can do all things through Him who gives you strength.

19. When you feel like your situation is beyond your control, pray and surrender. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can't.

20. When you're in a high-pressure situation and the game is on the line, and everyone is watching you, remember to smile, have fun, and enjoy it. Life is short; you only live once. You have nothing to lose. Seize the moment.

10 ways to deal with childish boss behavior

Do you sometimes feel that your boss acts like a stubborn, demanding, or needy child? Well, you're not alone. According to Lynn Taylor, workplace expert and author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant (TOT): How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job," such behavior has recently become more prevalent. She says that workplace stress and high unemployment have put bad bosses into overdrive, although bosses can exhibit bad behavior in any economy.

Here are some of Taylor's tips for dealing with terrible office tyrants (or "TOTs," as she abbreviates them) to keep your sanity, and your job.

1. Communicate

Communicate frequently, openly, and honestly. Savvy "TOT-tamers" (and parents, for that matter) take the initiative to establish an open dialog. At work, constantly staying aligned with your boss's objectives keeps your work on target. You also avoid false reads on bad boss behavior that may seem aimed at you, when it likely relates to other factors.

2. Anticipate

Be alert for problems and prepared with sound solutions. By having answers to emerging issues, and not adding to your boss's pressures, you avoid triggering "bratty" behavior. Your "TOT" wants to delegate as much as possible - as long as you make the process worry-free. An extra benefit is that you'll become more indispensable.

3. Laugh

Use humor, what Taylor calls "the great diffuser" of tension when communications break down - and patience runs low. A lighthearted comment can quickly melt away these barriers. Levity is a common bond we share, just as is the need to build something great together while having some fun. Take the initiative to do this and watch the seething (and teething) simmer.

4. Manage up

Let yourself shine by being a proactive problem-solver and collaborator. These attributes will help make you the master of your own career. Part of taking control of your job involves managing your interactions with your boss - so you can achieve what you want.

5. Know your timing

Timing can certainly mean everything, as with a child or "TOT." Learn the best times of day to approach your boss, and study his or her patterns, mood swings, hot buttons, and plan your interactions accordingly. It can make the difference between a pleasant "yes" and an irrevocable "no!"

6. Be a role model

Project the highest ethical standards and radiate positive energy. Maintain a balanced demeanor and approach each crisis (real or imagined) with a rational style.

7. Set limits

Let bosses know privately when they've gone over the line, but do it diplomatically. Keep the conversation focused on your work product. If your superior is intentionally malicious and attacking, that's another matter that requires more serious action. If, after repeated efforts for cooperation (such as with a bully boss and unsupportive management), you may be best off looking elsewhere. You have to determine how much strife you can handle.

8. Maintain focus

Many tyrant bosses have taken ADD to a new level... called BADD (Boss Attention Deficit Disorder), which is like multitasking on steroids. They're unable to focus on important tasks at hand, allowing e-mails, text messages, phones, and people to interrupt their (and your) flow. Encourage him or her to document objectives and agree on mutual goals on a regular basis. Be sure to follow up. Have an agenda prepared before meetings. By being vigilant and "managing up" to help your boss reconnect with priorities, you'll increase your career currency significantly.

9. Don't fight fire with fire

If your "TOT" is tantrum or bully-prone, mirroring back their childish behavior is a downward spiral. Avoid the temptation to win the battle and lose the war (and your job!). A better strategy is to calmly and concisely tell your boss how his or her actions affected you. Keep a matter-of-fact tone and be factual. Use "I" statements rather than "you" to avoid an accusatory attitude.

10. Reward good behavior

When bosses set aside their worst "TOT" traits, respond with gratitude and comment on how it inspires you to do your best. Positive and negative reinforcement is a powerful tool to foster better behavior. Over time, your boss will connect the better behavior with increased morale and productivity. Remember, if there's something in it for your boss, you will see change.

http://www.boston.com/jobs/galleries/officetyrant/

Unknown facts about our planet

• In 1783 an Icelandic eruption threw up enough dust to temporarily block out the

sun over Europe .

• About 20 to 30 volcanoes erupt each year, mostly under the sea.

• A huge underground river runs underneath the Nile, with six times more water

than the river above.

• Lake Bosumtwi in Ghana formed in a hollow made by a meteorite.

• Beaver Lake , in Yellowstone Park, USA, was artificially created by beaver

damming.

• Off the coast of Florida there is an underwater hotel. Guests have to dive to

the entrance.

• Venice in Italy is built on 118 sea islets joined by 400 bridges. It is

gradually sinking into the water.

• The Ancient Egyptians worshipped a sky goddess called Nut.

• The world's windiest place is Commonwealth Bay, Antartica.

• In 1934, a gust of wind reached 371 km/h on Mount Washington in New Hampshire ,

USA.

• American Roy Sullivan has been struck by lighting a record seven times.

• The desert baobab tree can store up to 1000 litres of water in its trunk.

• The oldest living tree is a California bristlecone pine name 'Methuselah'. It is

about 4600 years old. The largest tree in the world is a giant sequoia growing

in California . It is 84 meters tall and measures 29 meters round the trunk. The

fastest growing tree is the eucalyptus. It can grow 10 meters a year.

• The Antartic notothenia fish has a protein in its blood that acts like

antifreeze and stops the fish freezing in icy sea.

• The USA uses 29% of the world's petrol and 33% of the world's electricity.

• The industrial complex of Cubatao in Brazil is known as the Valley of Death

because its pollution has destroyed the trees and rivers nearby.

• Tibet is the highest country in the world. Its average height above sea level is

4500 meters.

• Some of the oldest mountains in the world are the Highlands in Scotland. They

are estimated to be about 400 million years old.

• Fresh water from the River Amazon can be found up to 180 km out to sea.

• The White Sea, in Russia, has the lowest temperature, only -2 degrees

centigrade. The Persian Gulf is the warmest sea. In the summer its temperature

reaches 35.6 degrees centigrade.

• There is no land at all at the North Pole, only ice on top of sea. The Arctic

Ocean has about 12 million sq km of floating ice and has the coldest winter

temperature of -34 degrees centigrade.

• The Antarctic ice sheet is 3-4 km thick, covers 13 million sq km and has

temperatures as low as -70 degrees centigrade.

• Over 4 million cars in Brazil are now running on gasohol instead of petrol.

Gasohol is a fuel made from sugar cane.

The Best Gifts Ever That Money Can't Buy!

To yourself: The gifts of daily self-examination, self-discipline, self-respect, originality, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and regular mental and spiritual nourishment.

To your brothers and sisters: The gifts of love, help, understanding and emotional support.

To your spouse: The gifts of appreciation, support, affection, faithfulness, love, patience, understanding, and time.

To your children: The gifts of education, shelter, guidance, love, understanding, patience, sympathy, time, and good example.

To your parents: The gifts of thoughtfulness, love, appreciation, and thankful heart.

To your helpers: The gifts of kindness, appreciation, motivation, and reward.

To your friends: The gifts of encouragement, communication, help, and your presence in times of storms..

To strangers: The gifts of a smile, open-mindedness, kind words, and deeds.

To your colleagues: The gifts of sense of humor, open-mindedness, tactfulness, encouragement, sincerity, cooperation, and support.

To your boss: The gifts of humbleness, humility, loyalty, honesty, respect, quality service and creativeness.

To the broken-hearted: The gifts of undivided attention, emotional support and encouragement.

To the lowly ones: The gifts of helping hands and loving heart.

To your enemies: The gifts of forgiveness, humility, reconciliation, service, and a smile.

To the prisoners: The gifts of clothes, foods, medicines, and evangelization.

To your country: The gifts of loyalty, support, compliance to the laws of the land, and submission to the authority.

To the Almighty God: The gifts of daily communication, appreciation, diligent application on His wise counsels and finally, the gifts of sharing His words to all nations of the world.

Apply and give these gifts to yourself and to somebody else, so you can make this world a little better and peaceful place to live.